POSITIVE-TONE, CHEMICALLY AMPLIFIED, AQUEOUS-DEVELOPABLE, PERMANENT DIELECTRIC - In microelectronic applications, it is often desired to deposit and pattern a permanent dielectric film in order to electrically and mechanically isolate components. Photo-patternable dielectrics are attractive for these uses because of their reduced time and cost requirements. These permanent dielectrics should be high-speed, positive-tone, and aqueous-developable. This type of patternability may be achieved by using a chemically amplified deprotection reaction of tert-butoxycarbonate or tert-butyl acrylate catalyzed by a photo-inducible acid. Provided herein are: a composition for preparing a dielectric film comprising a polymer mixture, wherein the polymer mixture comprises a base polymer comprising a pendent protected organic functionality, a photocatalyst for deprotecting the protected organic functionality and a chemical cross-linker for cross-linking the dielectric film after a photo-patterning has taken place in an aqueous solution; a dielectric film prepared from said composition; and method of preparing a dielectric film.

2015-06-11

20150160552

Photoresist and Method - Shrinkage and mass losses are reduced in photoresist exposure and post exposure baking by utilizing a small group which will decompose. Alternatively a bulky group which will not decompose or a combination of the small group which will decompose along with the bulky group which will not decompose can be utilized. Additionally, polar functional groups may be utilized in order to reduce the diffusion of reactants through the photoresist.

POSITIVE-TYPE PHOTOSENSITIVE RESIN COMPOSITION, PATTERN FORMING METHOD, THIN FILM TRANSISTOR ARRAY SUBSTRATE, AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICE - A positive-type photosensitive resin composition, a pattern forming method, a thin film transistor array substrate, and a liquid crystal display device are provided. The positive-type photosensitive resin includes a novolac resin (A), an alkali-soluble resin (B), an ester (C) of an o-naphthoquinone diazide sulfonic acid, and a solvent (D). The alkali-soluble resin (B) includes a first alkali-soluble resin (B-1) produced by polymerizing a mixture. The mixture includes an epoxy compound (i) and a compound (ii), wherein the epoxy compound (i) has at least two epoxy groups, and the compound (ii) has at least one carboxylic acid group and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group.

2015-06-11

20150160555

PATTERN FORMING METHOD, AND, METHOD FOR PRODUCING ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE, EACH USING THE SAME - The pattern forming method of the invention includes (i) a step of forming a first film on a substrate using an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition including a resin (A) capable of increasing the polarity by the action of an acid to decrease the solubility in a developer including an organic solvent; (ii) a step of exposing the first film; (iii) a step of developing the exposed first film using a developer including an organic solvent to form a negative tone pattern; and (iv) a step of forming a second film on the second substrate so as to cover the periphery of the negative tone pattern.

2015-06-11

20150160556

RESIST PATTERN-FORMING METHOD - A resist pattern-forming method includes applying a resist underlayer film-forming composition to a substrate to form a resist underlayer film. The resist underlayer film-forming composition includes (A) a polysiloxane. A radiation-sensitive resin composition is applied to the resist underlayer film to form a resist film. The radiation-sensitive resin composition includes (a1) a polymer that changes in polarity and decreases in solubility in an organic solvent due to an acid. The resist film is exposed. The exposed resist film is developed using a developer that includes an organic solvent.

2015-06-11

20150160557

Direct Current Superposition Freeze - Systems and methods include improved techniques for patterning substrates, including improvements to double patterning techniques. Direct current superposition plasma processing is combined with photolithographic patterning techniques. An electron flux or ballistic electron beam from a plasma processing system can induce cross linking in a given photoresist, which alters the photoresist to be resistant to subsequent light exposure and/or developer treatments. Plasma processing is also used to add a protective layer of oxide on exposed surfaces of a first relief pattern, thereby protecting the photoresist from a developing acid. By protecting an initial photoresist relief pattern from developing acid, a second pattern can be applied on and/or between the first photoresist relief pattern thereby doubling an initial pattern or otherwise increasing pattern density. This combined pattern can then be used for subsequent microfabrication such as transferring the combined pattern into one or more underlying layers.

2015-06-11

20150160558

Semiconductor Device Process Filter and Method - In accordance with an embodiment, a method of filtering a process fluid such as a negative tone developer is provided. The negative tone developer is introduced to a filter membrane that comprises a fluorine-based polymer. The negative tone developer is then filtered through the filter membrane. By using these materials and methods, polyethylene from the filter membrane will not contaminate the photoresist during development and reduce defects that arise from polyethylene contamination.

2015-06-11

20150160559

PATTERN FORMING METHOD, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - There is provided a pattern forming method containing: forming a film by using a radiation-sensitive or actinic ray-sensitive resin composition containing: (A) a onium salt compound containing a nitrogen atom in a cationic moiety; (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation; and (C) a resin capable of increasing the polarity by the action of an acid to decrease solubility in a developer containing an organic solvent, exposing the film; and developing the exposed film by using a developer containing an organic solvent to form a negative pattern.

2015-06-11

20150160560

DEVELOPING SOLUTION FOR PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY, METHOD FOR FORMING RESIST PATTERN, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING DEVELOPING SOLUTION FOR PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY - A developing solution for photolithography in which tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH) is used as an alkaline agent of the developing solution and deposition of TBAH is suppressed. A method for producing a developing solution for photolithography capable of suppressing TBAH deposition when producing the developing solution by diluting a concentrated developing solution containing TBAH and a production apparatus used for the production method. The developing solution includes tetrabutylammonium hydroxide and at least one of a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, and a clathrate compound. The temperature of the liquid is maintained at 27° C. or higher during dilution.

2015-06-11

20150160561

MIRROR - Mirror having a fragmented total surface area, wherein the fragmentation forms an aperiodic arrangement.

2015-06-11

20150160562

SYSTEM CORRECTION FROM LONG TIMESCALES - Aberrations of a projection lens for microlithography can be subdivided into two classes: a first class of aberrations, which are distinguished by virtue of the fact that their future size increases by a non-negligible value after a constant time duration, independently of their current size, and a second class of aberrations, which, after reaching a threshold, only increase by a negligible value after each further time duration. An adjustment method is proposed, which adjusts these two classes of aberrations in parallel in time with one another.

2015-06-11

20150160563

EXPOSURE METHOD AND EXPOSURE DEVICE - Embodiments of the disclosure provide an exposure method and an exposure device. The exposure method comprises: placing at least two transparent substrates coated with photoresist under one mask, wherein all of the at least two substrates are in parallel with the mask; irradiating the mask vertically with parallel exposure light to respectively expose the photoresist on the at least two substrates along a propagation direction of the exposure light.

2015-06-11

20150160564

STAGE APPARATUS FOR SEMICONDUCTOR INSPECTION AND LITHOGRAPHY SYSTEMS - A semiconductor sample is received on a chuck of a stage that is movable with respect to a stage frame. The stage, chuck, and sample are moved under an inspection or exposure head for inspecting or exposing the sample, and multiple 2D encoder heads are coupled with the chuck. Multiple 2D encoder scales are coupled with a base through which the head is inserted, and a stage encoder is positioned on the stage frame. Movement of the stage, chuck, and sample is controlled based on a position detected by at least one of the 2D encoder heads until a predefined position that is within a gap that is not covered by the 2D encoder scales is reached. Movement control of the stage, chuck, and sample is switched to being based on a position detected by the stage encoder when such predefined position that is within the gap is reached.

2015-06-11

20150160565

PROJECTION EXPOSURE METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Projection exposure methods, systems, sub-systems and components are disclosed. Methods can include performing a first exposure to image a first sub-pattern of the pattern, where the first sub-pattern includes a plurality of first features extending in a first direction and spaced apart essentially periodically at a predominant periodicity length P in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first exposure can be performed using a multipolar illumination mode that includes at least one substantially dipolar intensity distribution having two illumination poles positioned on a pole orientation axis substantially parallel to the second direction and spaced apart from each other.

2015-06-11

20150160566

OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR A MICROLITHOGRAPHIC PROJECTION EXPOSURE APPARATUS AND MICROLITHOGRAPHIC EXPOSURE METHOD - The invention relates to an optical system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, and to a microlithographic exposure method. An optical system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus comprises at least one mirror arrangement having a plurality of mirror elements, wherein these mirror elements can be adjusted independently of one another for changing an angular distribution of the light reflected by the mirror arrangement, and a polarization-influencing optical arrangement which is arranged downstream of the mirror arrangement in the light propagation direction, wherein the polarization-influencing optical arrangement reflects a light beam incident on the arrangement in at least two reflections, which do not occur in a common plane, for at least one angular distribution of the light reflected by the mirror arrangement.

2015-06-11

20150160567

LITHOGRAPHIC PROJECTION APPARATUS AND DEVICE MANUFACTURING METHOD - A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed where at least part of a space between a projection system of the apparatus and a substrate is filled with a liquid by a liquid supply system. The projection system is separated into two separate physical parts. With substantially no direct connection between the two parts of the projection system, vibrations induced in a first of the two parts by coupling of forces through the liquid filling the space when the substrate moves relative to the liquid supply system affects substantially only the first part of the projection system and not the other second part.

2015-06-11

20150160568

MIRROR ARRAY IN DIGITAL PATTERN GENERATOR (DPG) - Systems and method directed to digital pattern generator (DPG) having a mirror array in an e-beam lithography system are discussed. The mirror array includes a first bank of mirrors and a second bank of mirrors with a combination logic structure interposing the first and second banks of mirrors. An output data line extends from the first bank of mirrors to the combinational logic structure. An input data line that carries data associated with the second bank of mirrors is also provided to the combinational logic structure. An output data line extends from the combinational logic structure to second data bank.

2015-06-11

20150160569

LITHOGRAPHIC APPARATUS - A reflector includes a reflecting surface or structure provided with a cap layer formed from Silicene or a Silicene derivative. The reflector may be provided in a lithographic apparatus.

2015-06-11

20150160570

LITHOGRAPHY APPARATUS AND ARTICLE MANUFACTURING METHOD - A lithography apparatus includes a cleaning unit configured to perform cleaning of a substrate holder, a detector configured to detect a foreign substance by observing a substrate held by the substrate holder, and a controller configured to control execution of a pattern forming operation on the substrate and a cleaning operation. The controller operates such that, if a foreign substance is detected out of a predetermined area including a position at which a foreign substance was previously detected after a predetermined number of executions of the cleaning operation, a next pattern forming operation is performed after executing the cleaning operation. Otherwise, a next pattern forming operation is performed without executing the cleaning operation.

ORGANIC PHOTORECEPTOR, IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND IMAGE FORMING METHOD - In an organic photoreceptor that has a protective layer formed on an organic photosensitive layer, the protective layer contains; a cured resin constituent obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable compound in the presence of a radical scavenger represented by the general formula (2); metal oxide microparticles; and a compound represented by the general formula (1) as a charge transport substance, and the relational expression (1): 80/A≦B≦160/A and the relational expression (2): 12≦A≦25 are satisfied when the volume ratio (volume %) of the metal oxide microparticles in the protective layer and the volume ratio (volume %) of the compound represented by the general formula (1) in the protective layer are respectively denoted by A and B.

2015-06-11

20150160574

EMULSION AGGREGATION TONERS - Disclosed is toner particles having controlled and tailorable fusing characteristics. In particular, there is provided toner particles comprising styrene acrylate which have specific shape characteristics that allow for tailorable fusing characteristics without generating a detrimental effect on the blocking characteristics of such toners.

ELECTROSTATIC LATENT IMAGE DEVELOPING TONER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR - An electrostatic latent image developing toner includes a plurality of toner particles each having a toner core, a shell layer, and needle-like particles. The needle-like particles adhere to a surface of the toner core. The shell layer contains a thermosetting resin and covers the needle-like particles and the toner core. The needle-like particles contain titanium oxide. The needle-like particles have a volume resistivity value of at least 1.0×10

2015-06-11

20150160577

LIQUID DEVELOPER - A liquid developer includes an insulating liquid and toner particles which are dispersed in the insulating liquid and contain a resin and a coloring agent. The resin contains a first resin which is a crystalline urethane-modified polyester resin resulting from increase in chain length of a component derived from a polyester resin by a compound containing an isocyanate group. The toner particles have a peak in a DSC curve in temperature increase at 55° C. or higher, have a peak in the DSC curve in temperature decrease at 30° C. or higher, and have a storage elastic modulus at 80° C., not lower than 1×10

2015-06-11

20150160578

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A first mode in which a toner image is formed on a surface of a photoconductor by forming an electrostatic latent image with exposure means and a second mode in which a toner image used to adjust a tilt of a corona charger relative to the surface of the photoconductor in a longitudinal direction of the corona charger is output substantially without forming an electrostatic latent image with the exposure means are executable. An oscillating voltage superimposed in a developing bias in the second mode is set such that an amount of change in density of the toner image relative to an amount of change in developing contrast within a predetermined range of the density of the toner image becomes larger for the developing bias used in the second mode than for the developing bias used in the first mode.

2015-06-11

20150160579

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a corona charger configured to charge a photosensitive member surface, an exposure device configured to expose the photosensitive member surface to form an electrostatic image, a developing device configured to develop the electrostatic image with toner to form a toner image, and an execution unit configured to execute a first mode for developing an electrostatic image formed by the exposure device to form a toner image, transferring the toner image onto a recording material, and outputting it, and a second mode for transferring a plurality of toner images formed without substantially forming an electrostatic image using the exposure device onto a recording material as a plurality of adjustment toner images for adjusting a distance between the charger and the photosensitive member surface in a longitudinal direction of the charger, and outputting the plurality of adjustment toner images having average densities different from each other.

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCLUDING LENS ARRAY OPTICAL SYSTEM, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; and an exposure unit, including a lens array optical system in which a plurality of lenses are disposed along a predetermined direction, and a light-emitting unit having a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed so as to expose, through the lens array optical system, every Lth pixel in L scanning lines of the photosensitive member. An interval of locations, in a main arrangement direction, that correspond to adjacent lenses in the lens array optical system is configured to be an interval based on the value of L.

2015-06-11

20150160582

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS EMPLOYING OPTICAL SCANNING APPARATUS THAT SCANS USING MULTIPLE BEAMS OF LIGHT EMITTED FROM MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES DRIVEN BY MULTIPLE DRIVING ICS - A light source array includes a first group of light sources having laser elements and a second group of light sources having laser elements. A first laser driver drives the laser elements and a second laser driver drives the laser elements. The first group of light sources and the second group of light sources execute multiple exposure. For example, the second group of light sources executes a first exposure and the first group of light sources executes a second exposure. In other words, the first group of light sources and the second group of light sources are driven by the first laser driver and the second laser driver, respectively, so as to expose the same position.

2015-06-11

20150160583

DEVELOPING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A developing apparatus, including: a developer carrying member configured to carry developer; a blade configured to be deformed by contacting the developer carrying member; and an operation member provided on an opposite side to a side of the blade contacting the developer carrying member, the operation member being configured to contact the blade, which is deformed, so as to cause the blade to act on the developer carrying member at a predetermined pressure.

2015-06-11

20150160584

DEVELOPING CARTRIDGES WITH FIXED PROTRUSIONS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - Developing cartridges include a main body, a developer transport member, and a developer thickness regulating member. The main body includes a first and second side portions separated from each other along a direction. The developer thickness regulating member regulates a developer thickness and extends in a direction between the first and second side portions. The developer thickness regulating member includes an end portion, which is disposed near the first side portion, and a first protrusion, which extends along the particular direction from the end portion to at least the first side portion. The main body forms a cavity in the first side portion. The cavity is defined by at least a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, and a second protrusion that protrudes from the first surface toward the second surface. The first protrusion is fixed at a position between the second protrusion and the second surface.

2015-06-11

20150160585

DEVELOPING DEVICE, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An elastically deformable region of an elastic layer in a developer supplying roller is near an agitator. In a state where the agitator agitates a predetermined region or where the agitator is in contact with the developer supplying roller, the agitator is rotated in the same direction as the developer supplying roller.

PROCESS CARTRIDGE CAPABLE OF SUPPRESSING FILMING AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS WITH SAME - An image forming apparatus includes a latent image bearer, an electric charging member to electrically charge the latent image bearer uniformly while forming an electric charging nip therebetween by contacting the latent image bearer. A value obtained by dividing a moment of inertia of area of the latent image bearer by the cube of length thereof ranges from about 0.000058 [mm] or more to about 0.000145 [mm] or less. A width of the electric charging nip in a direction of rotation at longitudinal ends of the latent image bearer is larger than that at a longitudinal center thereof. A difference between the width of the electric charging nip in the direction of rotation at the longitudinal ends of the latent image bearer and that at the longitudinal center thereof is larger than an amount of deformation of the latent image bearer generated during rotation at the longitudinal center thereof.

2015-06-11

20150160588

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of rollers including a first roller rotated by receiving rotation from a drive unit and a second roller rotated with the rotation of the first roller; a belt stretched around the plurality of rollers, the belt having an inner surface; and a tension applying unit that applies tension to the belt. The inner surface of the belt has an uneven shape. Each of at least one roller of the plurality of rollers satisfies conditions expressed by μkmax≦0.73 and Δμk=(μkmax−μkmin)≦0.51, where μkmax is a maximum dynamic friction coefficient between the inner surface of the belt and the roller, and μkmin is a minimum dynamic friction coefficient between the inner surface of the belt and the roller.

2015-06-11

20150160589

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit which forms a toner image on an image carrier; a conveying unit which conveys a recording medium; a transfer unit which transfers the toner image formed on the image carrier to the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit in a transfer nip; a pre-transfer charging unit which imparts an electrical charge, having a polarity opposite to a normal charge polarity of a toner, to the recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit on an upstream side of the transfer nip in a conveyance direction; and a destaticizing unit which removes a part of the electrical charge that is imparted to a surface of the recording medium by the pre-transfer charging unit and corresponds to unevenness on the surface of the recording medium on an upstream side of the transfer nip in the conveyance direction.

2015-06-11

20150160590

HEATING DEVICE, FIXING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - Provided is a heating device that heats a belt which transports a medium on which a non-fixed image to be fixed onto the medium through heating is formed, the heating device including a heating element, a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer that are arranged to nip the heating element, a first supporting layer that comes into contact with the first insulating layer and a second supporting layer that comes into contact with the second insulating layer, both of which are arranged to nip the first insulating layer, the heating element, and the second insulating layer, and a connection member that connects the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer in a normal direction of the first supporting layer and the second supporting layer.

2015-06-11

20150160591

FIXING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A fixing device includes a rotary endless fixing belt; a nip forming member disposed in an interior of the fixing belt; a rotary opposed member to contact the nip forming member via the fixing belt to form a nip together with the fixing belt; a heat source to directly heat the fixing belt at a portion other than the nip, including at lease one heat-generation part disposed outside lateral ends of a maximum area of the fixing belt where a recording medium passes through, wherein a recording medium carrying an unfixed image is conveyed to the nip and the fixing device fixes the unfixed image onto the recording medium; and a shielding member disposed between the fixing belt and the heat generation part of the heat source and configured to shield heat from the heat source at least at an area outside the maximum passing area of the recording medium.

2015-06-11

20150160592

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, IMAGE FORMING METHOD, AND DECOLORIZING METHOD - An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming unit and a second image forming unit. The first image forming unit is configured to form a first image portion to be transferred to a sheet with a first decolorizable material that is decolorized at a first temperature. The second image forming unit is configured to form a second image portion to be transferred to the sheet with a second decolorizable material that has a color different from the first decolorizable material and that is decolorized at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature.

2015-06-11

20150160593

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus forming toner images sequentially on recording sheets transported at intervals, and thermally fixing the toner images by passing the recording sheets through a fixing position on a heating roller. The target fixing temperature is determined according to information of an image on each page. When a first fixing temperature for a given page is higher than a second fixing temperature for the succeeding page and the difference therebetween is greater than a predefined value, part or all of a first period, during which the thermal fixing operation for the given page is performed, and a second period, which corresponds to an interval between the two pages, are reserved for raising the surface temperature by the difference, and temperature control is performed during the reserved periods such that the surface temperature reaches the second temperature before the thermal fixing operation for the succeeding page starts.

2015-06-11

20150160594

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier to carry a toner image. A transfer unit transfers the toner image to a sheet. A fixing unit fixes the toner image on the sheet. The sheet with the image is discharged to a sheet discharge tray. A circular conveyance path turns over the sheet past the transfer unit and the fixing unit and passes the sheet through the transfer unit and the fixing unit again. A heat amount setting section sets an amount of heat applied by the fixing unit when fixing of the sheet is executed. In duplex printing, a first heat amount for fixing the toner image on a first side of the sheet is smaller than a reference heat amount for simplex printing whereas a second heat amount for fixing the toner image on a second side of the sheet is larger than the reference heat amount.

2015-06-11

20150160595

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus performs a serviceman call detection mode during its idling time. In this time, a control portion controls upper and lower pressuring rollers to be clamped, controls a driving motor, and controls a change-over mechanism to switch a braking motor off. A torque detection portion detects a torque value Y of the driving motor at this time. The control portion then controls the upper and lower pressuring rollers to be clamped, controls the driving motor, and controls the change-over mechanism to switch the braking motor on. The torque detection portion detects a torque value Z of the driving motor at this time. The control portion subtracts the torque value Y from the torque value Z to calculate a difference value. The control portion determines that the breaking motor is broken down when the difference value does not exceed the threshold value.

2015-06-11

20150160596

PRESSING ROLLER AND IMAGE HEATING APPARATUS HAVING SAME - A pressing roller includes a cylindrical core metal; a first rubber layer of non-porous material provided on the core metal; and a second rubber layer of porous material provided on the first rubber layer, wherein the second rubber layer includes a thermo-conductive filler dispersed therein such that a thermal conductivity of the second rubber layer in a longitudinal direction is higher than a thermal conductivity thereof in a thickness direction, and wherein the first rubber layer includes a thermo-conductive filler dispersed therein such that a thermal conductivity of the first rubber layer in an thickness direction is higher than a thermal conductivity of the second rubber layer in the thickness direction of the second rubber layer.

2015-06-11

20150160597

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling the image forming apparatus are provided. An image forming apparatus may determine the operation start time point of a photoconductor based on ready times of the photoconductor and devices used in image forming processes so as to minimize idling of the photoconductor.

2015-06-11

20150160598

ULTRASONIC WAVE SENSOR AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A sensor is attached to an apparatus having a fixing unit which fixes an image on a recording medium by heating the recording medium. The sensor includes: a transmission unit transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the recording medium; a reception unit receiving the ultrasonic wave via the recording medium, and output a signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic wave; and a detecting unit detecting information relating to a state of the recording medium which has changed by passing through the fixing unit, based on a first signal which the reception unit has output upon having received the ultrasonic wave before the recording medium has passed through the fixing unit, and a second signal which the reception unit has output upon having received the ultrasonic wave after the recording medium has passed through the fixing unit.

2015-06-11

20150160599

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An image forming apparatus includes multiple image forming units each including a latent image bearer and a developing device, a transfer device to transfer toner images from the latent image bearers onto a surface of endless rotary member, a cleaner to clean the surface of the endless rotary member, and a control unit to execute a forcible toner consumption process to forcibly consume degraded toner stored in applicable one or more developing devices. The forcible toner consumption process includes a step of forming a toner image formed for forced consumption in a non-image region of the latent image bearer with an amount of toner corresponding to a difference between an image area ratio of a developed image and a prescribed threshold thereof when the image area ratio of the developed image is lower than the prescribed threshold.

2015-06-11

20150160600

LUBRICATION DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - An image forming apparatus includes an image bearer; a toner image forming unit to form a toner image on the image bearer; a transfer device to transfer the toner image from the image bearer onto a transfer medium; a cleaning device to remove untransferred toner from the image bearer; and a lubrication device including a solid lubricant, an applicator to apply lubricant scraped off from the solid lubricant to the image bearer while rotating, and an applicator driving device to rotate the applicator; and a controller to control the applicator driving device according to a predetermined variable to change a rotational frequency of the applicator during idle running of the image bearer.

2015-06-11

20150160601

OPENING/CLOSING APPARATUS AND IMAGE RECORDING APPARATUS - An opening/closing apparatus includes: an apparatus body; a pivot body pivotable between a close position covering an upper portion of the apparatus body and an open position releasing the upper portion of the apparatus body; a rack member provided on the pivot body and having a rack gear extending in a radial direction from a pivot base end portion to a pivot front-end portion of the pivot body; and an arm body having one end portion connected to the apparatus body and the other end portion connected to the rack member and slidably movable relative to the rack member. The arm body includes: a housing; a rotary damper supported by the housing and having a damping gear receiving damping force from viscous fluid; and a gear section supported by the housing and transmitting the damping force of the damping gear to the rack gear.

2015-06-11

20150160602

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - A unit detachably mountable to an apparatus main assembly s provided with a coupling for receiving a rotational driving force from the apparatus main assembly. Also the apparatus main assembly is provided with a coupling to be engaged with the coupling of the unit. At least one of these couplings can be pushed in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft and one of the couplings is provided with an inclined surface. During mounting and demounting of the unit, the engagement between the couplings is released by the pushing-in of one of the couplings pushed by the inclined surface.

2015-06-11

20150160603

Developing Cartridge - A developing cartridge may include a housing configured to hold toner. The cartridge may further include a developing roller including a developing roller shaft, a supply roller including a supply roller shaft, a developing electrode and a supply electrode. The developing electrode and supply electrode may be configured to guide an electrical contact of an image forming apparatus in one or more directions. In some examples, the developing electrode and supply electrode may have angled surfaces that extend toward one another.

2015-06-11

20150160604

Developing Cartridge - A developing cartridge may include a housing configured to hold toner. The cartridge may further include a developing roller including a developing roller shaft, a supply roller including a supply roller shaft, a developing electrode and a supply electrode. The developing electrode and supply electrode may be configured to guide an electrical contact of an image forming apparatus in one or more directions. In some examples, the developing electrode and supply electrode may have angled surfaces that extend toward one another.

2015-06-11

20150160605

Developing Cartridge - A developing cartridge may include a housing configured to hold toner. The cartridge may further include a developing roller including a developing roller shaft, a supply roller including a supply roller shaft, a developing electrode and a supply electrode. The developing electrode and supply electrode may be configured to guide an electrical contact of an image forming apparatus in one or more directions. In some examples, one or more of the developing electrode and supply electrode may have an angled surface that extends toward the other.

2015-06-11

20150160606

Developing Cartridge - A developing cartridge may include a housing configured to hold toner. The cartridge may further include a developing roller including a developing roller shaft, a supply roller including a supply roller shaft, a developing electrode and a supply electrode. The developing electrode and supply electrode may be configured to guide an electrical contact of an image forming apparatus in one or more directions. In some examples, the developing electrode and supply electrode may be arranged relative to an arrangement direction of fixing members used to fix the electrodes to the cartridge.

2015-06-11

20150160607

Image Forming Apparatus Having Housing, Exposing Member Disposed In the Housing, and Process Cartridge Mounted In the Housing - An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a cartridge, and an exposing member. The housing is formed with an opening. The cartridge is configured to be detachably mounted in the housing through the opening. The cartridge is provided with an image bearing member, and a holding part configured to be held by a user so as to remove the cartridge from the housing. The exposing member is disposed in the housing and configured to emit a laser light to the image bearing member in an emitting direction so as to expose the image bearing member to the laser light. The cartridge is mounted in the housing at a side opposite to the opening with respect to a trajectory of the laser light.

2015-06-11

20150160608

DRIVE TRANSMISSION MECHANISM AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - A drive transmission mechanism includes a driving coupling element having a first engaging portion and a first operating portion; a holder having a second engaging portion a second operating portion; wherein when the first and second engaging portion are engaged, the driving coupling element is held in a middle position to be prevented from moving therefrom to a projected position. When the driving coupling element is moved from the middle position toward a retracted position, the first and second operating portions contact to each other so that the driving coupling element rotates to a second angular position where they are disengaged from each other. By the driving coupling element rotating from the first angular position to the second angular position, the driving coupling element is enabled to move to the projected position.

2015-06-11

20150160609

IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An image forming apparatus includes a main body having a fusing unit, a first temperature sensor which is disposed in an external surface of the main body and measures an outside temperature, a humidity sensor which is disposed in the external surface of the main body and measures an outside humidity, a second temperature sensor which is disposed inside the main body and measures an inside temperature, at least one fan disposed in the main body, and a controller configured to calculate a dew point temperature using the inside temperature and the outside humidity and operate the at least one fan based on the calculated dew point temperature.

2015-06-11

20150160610

RECORDING MEDIUM CONVEYOR AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - A recording medium conveyor, which is incorporated in an image forming apparatus, includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor disposed facing the first conveyor. The first conveyor and the second conveyor sandwich a recording medium therebetween and convey the recording medium to a downstream side of an image forming apparatus in a recording medium conveying direction. At least one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor includes a belt having an inner circumferential face, and a cooler to cool the recording medium. The cooler has a heat absorbing face that contacts the inner circumferential face of the belt and that has an air flow path formed thereon to expose the inner circumferential face of the belt to open air.

2015-06-11

20150160611

HOLOGRAPHIC DISPLAY - A holographic display is provided. The holographic display includes a support plate that is rotatable based on a rotary axis; a plurality of spatial light modulators arranged on the support plate at same distances from the rotary axis; a light source supplying light to the plurality of spatial light modulators; an optical path conversion device for guiding light emitted from the light source to the plurality of spatial light modulators; an image signal input device for inputting holographic image signals to the plurality of spatial light modulators; and an imaging area on which images by the plurality of spatial light modulators are displayed so that three-dimensional (3D) images may be displayed in all directions according to the rotation of the support plate.

2015-06-11

20150160612

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING HOLOGRAPHIC THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE - An apparatus for displaying a holographic three-dimensional (3D) image is provided. The apparatus includes: a holographic pattern generation unit; a spatial optical modulation device including a phase transition layer formed of a phase transition material, a phase of which is changed by a temperature. A holographic pattern generated by the holographic pattern generation unit is optically addressed on the spatial optical modulation device. The apparatus also includes a heat source for applying heat to the phase transition layer; a control unit for controlling the heat source according to holographic pattern information generated by the holographic pattern generation unit; and a reproduction light source for irradiating light for image reproduction onto the spatial optical modulation device.

2015-06-11

20150160613

RECONSTRUCTION OF AN IMAGE OF AN OBJECT AT LEAST PARTIALLY HIDDEN BY A FLAME - It is disclosed a system for reconstructing an image of an object hidden by a flame. The system comprises a laser source emitting an infrared radiation and a lensless, off-axis interferometric arrangement that divides the infrared radiation into an object beam and a reference beam. The object beam is enlarged and then irradiates the object, that scatters it. The reference beam is enlarged and then interferes with the scattered object beam, so as to create a hologram. The system comprises an infrared detector which detects the hologram and a processing unit which reconstructs the image of the object by numerically processing the hologram. The system therefore provides the object image based on digital holography at infrared wavelengths. Differently from known thermographic acquisition techniques, even if large portions of the object are hidden by the flame, the system allows to reconstruct an image of the whole object, with no blind areas.

2015-06-11

20150160614

COMPLEX SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATOR AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - Provided are a complex spatial light modulator and a three-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus. The complex spatial light modulator includes a spatial light modulator configured to modulate a phase of light, a first prism array which is disposed after the spatial light modulator along a path of the light, and including prism units each having a first prism surface and a second prism surface, and a hologram optical device configured to diffract the light that has passed through the first prism array independently from a polarization of the light, where the first prism array and the hologram optical device are configured to modulate the phase and an amplitude of the light.

2015-06-11

20150160615

WATCH CANNON-PINION - Watch cannon-pinion including a first bore for receiving a pivot-shank including, on either side of a recess, a first shoulder and a second shoulder.

2015-06-11

20150160616

OPTIMISED STRIKING MECHANISM DISC-VIBRATION PLATE FOR A TIMEPIECE - A disc-vibration plate assembly for a musical or striking timepiece, including at least one disc rotating about an axis and provided with pins projecting substantially parallel to this axis, and arranged to cooperate with strips comprised in at least one vibration plate of this assembly, each pin including an actuation surface arranged to cooperate with a complementary receiving surface of a corresponding strip and the section of these strips of the vibration plate gradually increases from the shortest strip which is the highest pitched, to the longest strip which is the lowest pitched.

2015-06-11

20150160617

ACOUSTIC RADIATING MEMBRANE FOR A MUSICAL WATCH - The acoustic radiating membrane is provided to equip a musical watch or a striking watch. The dome-shaped membrane comprises an active central portion, a lateral wall and a peripheral edge portion for holding the membrane in a watch case. The central part is configured in a convex shape or a conical shape and with dimensions devised to amplify a first vibration mode of one or more notes within a frequency range of between 500 Hz and 3.5 kHz.

2015-06-11

20150160618

ACOUSTIC RADIATING MEMBRANE FOR A MUSICAL WATCH - The acoustic radiating membrane is provided to equip a musical watch or a striking watch. The dome-shaped membrane comprises an active central portion, a lateral wall and a peripheral edge portion for holding the membrane in a watch case. The central portion includes a central base connected by connecting elements to a peripheral ring, the central base, the connecting elements and the peripheral ring being of dimensions determined to amplify a first vibration mode of one or more notes in a frequency range from 500 Hz to 3.5 kHz.

2015-06-11

20150160619

ELECTRONIC CLOCK - Provided is an electronic clock which is capable of finely controlling a driving force of a normal driving pulse and suppresses variation in current consumption without an increase in circuit size. The electronic clock is configured so that while a chopped driving pulse is output and in an interval in which coil terminals have heretofore been short-circuited, a pulse is output (hereinafter referred to as adjustment pulse) for control from a terminal that is different from a terminal of a motor driver from which the normal driving pulse has been output. The output pattern of the adjustment pulse is changed with reference to a driving rank selecting circuit to increase or decrease a motor driving current and hence change the driving force.

Smart Watch with Adaptive Touch Screen - In one embodiment, a system includes a display, a position sensor configured to determine a relative orientation of the display, and computer-readable storage media embodying logic that is configured when executed to display first information at a first position of the display, determine a change in orientation of the display, determine a second position to display the first information in response to the change in orientation of the display, and display the first information at the determined second position.

2015-06-11

20150160622

SMART WATCH AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A smart watch and a control method thereof are disclosed. The smart watch includes a first sensor unit configured to detect whether the smart watch is worn, a display unit configured to display visual information, a second sensor unit configured to detect movement of the smart watch, and a processor configured to control the first sensor unit, the display unit, and the second sensor unit. If first movement of the smart watch is detected on an arm of a user while the smart watch is being worn, the processor obtains direction and distance of the first movement of the smart watch. If the direction of the first movement is a first direction and the distance of the first movement is equal to or more than a first threshold distance, the processor performs a first function corresponding to the first direction.

2015-06-11

20150160623

MAINTAINING UP-TO-DATE HOME AUTOMATION MODELS - Embodiments detailed herein may involve a first status update of a home automation device installed as part of a home automation system in a home being received. An entry of a plurality of entries in a master home automation model may be updated based on the first status update of the home automation device. The master home automation model may be maintained by the home automation host system. The plurality of entries may correspond to home automation device characteristics of the plurality of home automation devices. A numerical identifier used to track status updates related to the home automation system in the home may be incremented. Within the master home automation model, the incremented numerical identifier may be assigned to the updated entry in the master home automation model.

2015-06-11

20150160624

TERMINAL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A information processor of a terminal apparatus reads from a memory identification information of a food handling apparatus and a table, identifies a function associated with the identification information of the food handling apparatus received by a information receiver in accordance with the table, and starts up the function.

2015-06-11

20150160625

CONTROL APPARATUS AND SHIFT-BY-WIRE SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME - A control apparatus controlling a motor for driving an object includes: a relay allowing and interrupting electric power supply to the motor; switching devices in multiple phases for allowing and interrupting energization to windings; a controller for the relay and the switching devices; a current detecting circuit for a current flowing through a merging point of the windings and the switching devices; a current limit circuit for keeping an average of the current within a predetermined range; a standard position learning device for learning a standard position of the motor; a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage applied to each switching device; and an error detecting device for detecting an error in the current detecting circuit based on the voltage and the current when the relay turns on, and all switching devices turn off.

2015-06-11

20150160626

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST WINDOW COVERINGS - An electronic window covering control system automatically controls the position and orientation of a window covering. A window covering controller interfaces with a light intensity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an electronic window covering configured to raise and lower the covering and tilt the slats. The window covering controller sends sensor data to a local receiver and receives window covering commands from the local receiver. The local receiver interfaces with a hub device through a mesh network and sends the sensor data to the hub. The hub applies a rule set to make operation decisions based on sensor data and user preferences, and sends messages comprising commands to operate the window covering through the mesh network to the local receiver. The local receiver decodes the messages and passes the window covering commands to the window covering controller to automatically control the electronic window covering.

2015-06-11

20150160627

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT IN A DISTRIBUTED ARCHITECTURE INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM CHASSIS - In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for use in a chassis having a plurality of slots each configured to receive a module having one or more information handling systems wherein each slot is configured to electrically and communicatively couple the module to other components of the chassis may be provided. The method may include receiving, by a controller integral to the chassis, a signal from a sensor integral to the chassis, the signal indicative of a measured physical quantity of the sensor. The method may also include communicating, from the controller to a remote access controller integral to at least one module disposed in the plurality of slots, sensor information in conformity with the signal.

2015-06-11

20150160628

WEB-BASED INTERACTION WITH BUILDING AUTOMATION - Web-based interaction with building automation is provided. The interaction, regardless of the access point, is browser based. For IP access, hypertext protocol (http) communications of the browser are performed. The web-enabled controller serves responses with building automation information. For non-IP access, a web-server operating as an application in the same device as the browser intercepts the http communication and reformats the communication as appropriate for the non-IP access. Based on a response from the building automation system, the device local web-server responds to the browser. For communicating across different types of networks in the building automation system, controllers may use the embedded web-server to reformat as needed and route requests. The same look, feel, functionality, and/or usability may be provided using the browser regardless of the connectivity to the building automation network.

2015-06-11

20150160629

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INITIATING PREDETERMINED SOFTWARE FUNCTION FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE BASED ON ORIENTATION AND MOVEMENT - Systems and methods for initiating predetermined software function for a computing device based on orientation and movement are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method comprises detecting a change in movement of a computing device to substantially zero velocity for a predetermined period of time. The method further detects a predetermined orientation of the computing device. The method further initiates a predetermined operation of the computing device in response to detecting the decrease in movement for the predetermined period of time and detecting the predetermined orientation of the computing device.

2015-06-11

20150160630

PLANT CONTROL SYSTEM, CONTROLLER, MANAGER, AND PLANT INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD - A plant control system includes a controller configured to control a plant by using process data, the controller transmitting the process data to a field device and receiving the process data from the field device, the controller obtaining field information indicating a state of the field device from the field device, the field device being installed in the plant, and the field device performing at least one of a measurement and a manipulation which are necessary for the control of the plant, and a manager configured to manage a state of the plant by collecting the field information from the field device, wherein at least one of the controller and the manager creates information indicating a normality of the plant by using the field information.

2015-06-11

20150160631

CONTROL APPARATUS AND SHIFT-BY-WIRE SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME - A control apparatus controlling a motor for driving an object to switch a shift range of a transmission includes: switching devices for energization to windings of the motor; a controller for the switching devices; a current detecting circuit for a current in the windings and the switching device; a current limit circuit keeping an average of the current within a predetermined range; a standard position learning device of the motor at a learning range such that the current limit circuit limits the current, and the motor rotates until the object stops at a limit position of a movable range; a shift range determination device; and an error determination device determining that the current detecting circuit or the current limit circuit malfunctions when the object does not reach the limit position, the shift range is in a non-learning range, and the standard position learning device starts to learn the standard position.

2015-06-11

20150160632

Method for operating a rotation rate sensor - A method for operating a rotation rate sensor is provided, the rotation rate sensor including a seismic mass, in a first operating step a drive signal and a test signal being provided, in a second operating step a modulation signal being generated by modulating the drive signal with the test signal, in a third operating step the seismic mass being driven to carry out a drive movement as a function of the modulation signal, a detection signal being detected as a function of a detection movement of the seismic mass, in a fourth operating step a demodulation signal being provided, a sensor signal being generated by demodulating the detection signal with the demodulation signal, in the fourth operating step a demodulation phase of the demodulation signal being adapted in such a way that a rotation rate offset of the detection signal is compensated for.

2015-06-11

20150160633

BUILDING AUTOMATION CONTROLLER WITH REAR PROJECTING LIGHT - An HVAC controller may include a housing that is mountable on a vertical surface and a printed circuit board that is disposed within the housing. The printed circuit board may include a light source operably secured to the printed circuit board. A light guide may be secured relative to the printed circuit board such that light from the light source enters the light guide and propagates along the light guide. The light guide includes a light input pocket configured to receive light from the light source, a bifurcated inlet section optically coupled to the light input pocket, a light guide body extending from the bifurcated inlet section, and an output surface extending along a rear facing surface of the light guide body such that light exiting the output surface is projected onto the vertical surface to which the housing is mountable.

2015-06-11

20150160634

HOME AUTOMATION BUBBLE ARCHITECTURE - Systems and methods for controlling a plurality of devices in a home automation system may include providing a device proxy for a device connected to the home automation system and setting a new value in a value box of the device proxy, whereby the value box corresponds to at least one of a sensor, control, and metadata of the device. The systems and methods may further include determining one or more rules associated with the device proxy and running the determined one or more rules, whereby the determined one or more rules are indicative of interactive relationships between the device proxy and one or more other device proxies corresponding to one or more other devices connected to the home automation system.

2015-06-11

20150160635

Multi-Tiered Feedback-Controlled Home Automation Notifications - Various arrangements for providing home automation notifications to users are detailed. A selection of a home automation event to trigger transmission of a home automation notification and a first group of users may be received. When the event occurs, the home automation notification may be transmitted to the first group of users. A first communication path associated with each user of the first group of users may be used for transmitting the home automation notification. For a time, monitoring can be performed to determine if a receipt response from each of the plurality of destinations is received. For users for which the receipt response was not received, the home automation notification may be sent via an alternate communication path.

2015-06-11

20150160636

Home Monitoring and Control - Various arrangements for monitoring and control applications are presented. A television receiver may be configured to monitor sensor reading and or provide signals to control units for monitoring and home automation applications.

2015-06-11

20150160637

WEAKLY-TYPED DATAFLOW INFRASTRUCTURE WITH STANDALONE, CONFIGURABLE CONNECTIONS - In one embodiment, an industrial automation device having a visual component is provided that includes a user viewable screen displaying a visual representation of a first object, wherein the first object comprises a plurality of properties, connections, and text associated with the object, second object, wherein the second object comprises a plurality of properties, connections, and text, and wherein the output from the first object is coupled to the second object via a connection, wherein the output of the first object is converted from a first type to a second type. A method is also provided that includes receiving a signal into a first object, outputting data from the first object, wherein the data has a first type, converting the data into a second type, and receiving the data into a second object.

2015-06-11

20150160638

SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DYNAMICALLY CHANGE DATA CENTER PARTITIONS - A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one partition in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis.

2015-06-11

20150160639

CONTROL APPARATUS AND SHIFT-BY-WIRE SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME - A control apparatus controlling a motor for driving an object includes: switching devices in multiple phases, each of which allows and interrupts energization to a corresponding winding of the motor; a controller for the switching devices; a current detecting circuit for a current flowing through each winding and each switching device; a current limit circuit limiting the current to match to a current limiting value; a standard position learning device learning a standard position of the motor such that the current limit circuit limits the current, and the motor rotates until the object stops at a limit position of a movable range; a rotation angle change amount detecting device detecting a change amount of a rotation angle of the object; and an error determination device determining that the current detecting circuit malfunctions when the change amount is out of a predetermined range, and the object changes between first and second states.

2015-06-11

20150160640

CONTROL APPARATUS AND SHIFT-BY-WIRE SYSTEM USING THE SAME - A current limiting circuit restricts electric currents flowing through windings and MOSs such that an average of a current value of the electric currents detected by a current detection circuit is within a predetermined value span. An MPU functions as a reference position learning controller that performs a reference position learning control to restrict the electric currents that flow through the windings and the MOSs using the current limiting circuit while rotating a motor until a detent plate stops at a limit position of a working span, to thereby learn the reference position of the motor. An anomaly detection section of the MPU functions as an anomaly detection controller to detect an anomaly in the current limiting circuit based on the current value detected by the current detection circuit during the reference position learning control.

2015-06-11

20150160641

METHOD FOR UPDATING MODULE INFORMATION IN BATTERY MODULE STRUCTURE - A method for updating lower module information in a battery module structure in which an upper controller controls and manages a lower module configured of a plurality of battery modules and lower battery managers connected to each of the battery modules by communicating with each of the lower battery managers. The method includes when the lower module is additionally connected, recognizing, by the upper controller, the addition of the lower module by exchanging a message with the added lower module. The added lower module is registered by assigning a new unique ID to the added lower module by exchanging the message with the added lower module by the upper controller.

2015-06-11

20150160642

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CREATING AND PRESENTING CONTROL LOGIC - A platform at a communication network is provided for the procurement of control logic. Customer order parameters are obtained via the communication network. The customer order parameters include at least one of: interface connections for the automation controller, interface configurations for the automation controller, and operating characteristics of the automation controller. Control logic is built that conforms to the custom order parameters. The control logic is stored on the communication network. Changes to the control logic are received and the control logic is changed without the involvement of a third party monitor.

2015-06-11

20150160643

Machining Method - Using a machine tool, a workpiece is machined while periodically varying the rotational speed of a spindle thereof. Correlation data on correlation between a speed variation rate RVA of the spindle rotational speed, a speed variation period ratio RVF thereof, and vibration of a tool when machining the workpiece while periodically varying the spindle rotational speed is previously obtained. Based on the correlation data, the speed variation rate RVA and the speed variation period ratio RVF are set so that the vibration of the tool and machining accuracy are within their respective allowable ranges, and based on the set speed variation rate RVA and speed variation period ratio RVF, a variation amplitude and a variation period of the spindle rotational speed are determined. The spindle is rotated at the rotational speed varying at the determined amplitude and period with respect to a target rotational speed, thereby machining the workpiece.

2015-06-11

20150160644

REPAIR METHOD, SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC LOCATING AND CLEARING AND TOOL FOR AUTOMATED LOCATING AND MODIFYING - A repair method is provided and includes deriving, from a model of a component, drilling vectors respectively associated with fluid flow passages of the component, obtaining location data of each of the fluid flow passages at least partially from a source other than the model and relying upon the derived drilling vectors and the obtained location data of each of the fluid flow passages to position a tool configured to modify each of the fluid flow passages.

2015-06-11

20150160645

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE CONTROL OF A FLOTATION SEPARATION PROCESS, INCLUDING PARAMETERS OF THE FLOTATION PROCESS AND REAGENT ADDITION TO OPTIMIZE MINERAL RECOVERY - A method and apparatus are provided to control of a flotation separation process, including parameters of the flotation process and reagent addition to optimize mineral recovery. The apparatus includes a signal processor or processing module configured at least to receive signalling containing information about at least one acoustic characteristic of a froth layer in a flotation cell or tank of a flotation separation process; and determine a control characteristic related to the flotation separation process based at least partly on the signalling received. The signal processor or processing module may also be configured at least to: provide corresponding signalling containing information to control the flotation separation process based at least partly on the control characteristic determined.

2015-06-11

20150160646

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING TOOL DAMAGE IN A COMPUTER CONTROLLED RESURFACING MACHINE - A systems and methods for preventing tool damage in a computer controlled machining apparatus is provided. Conventional CNC machining apparatuses do not provide techniques for checking whether tool movement will interfere with one or more surfaces of the workpiece to be machined. The systems and methods carried out by the systems described herein address at least these deficiencies by providing a “crash test” or tool damage prevention routine that tests whether or not damage may occur based on a contact with the workpiece.

2015-06-11

20150160647

PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT SUPPORT DEVICE HAVING FUNCTION FOR SUPPORTING PARAMETER ADJUSTMENT - A parameter adjustment support device configured to effectively adjust an acceleration/deceleration parameter of a drive axis, even when an operator thereof is inexperienced. The Support device includes: an actual acceleration/deceleration characteristic obtaining part which obtains an actual acceleration/deceleration characteristic curve relating to a velocity and an acceleration of the drive axis, from a numerical controller or an external storing device; a parameter setting part which sets or changes the parameter based on an external input; an acceleration/deceleration characteristic displaying part which generates a commanded acceleration/deceleration characteristic curve relating to the velocity and the acceleration of the drive axis based on the setup or updated parameter, and contrastively displays the obtained actual curve and the generated commanded curve; and a setting information outputting part which outputs the setup or updated parameter to the numerical controller.

2015-06-11

20150160648

Allocation of Printed Circuit Boards on Fitting Lines - A method for allocating printed circuit boards to the fitting lines of a fitting system configured for fitting printed circuit boards with electronic components includes: determining requirements for fitting each of a plurality of printed circuit boards with respective components; and allocating the printed circuit boards to fitting lines under predetermined conditions by integral linear programming. The allocation is carried out such that differences between the component variances of the fitting lines are minimized. The component variance of a fitting line represent the number of different components configured to be fitted to all printed circuit boards allocated to the fitting line.

2015-06-11

20150160649

ENDPOINT METHOD USING PEAK LOCATION OF SPECTRA CONTOUR PLOTS VERSUS TIME - In one aspect, a method of polishing includes polishing a substrate, and receiving an identification of a selected spectral feature and a characteristic of the selected spectral feature to monitor during polishing. The method includes measuring a sequence of spectra of light reflected from the substrate while the substrate is being polished, where at least some of the spectra of the sequence differ due to material being removed during the polishing. The method of polishing includes determining a value of a characteristic of the selected spectral feature for each of the spectra in the sequence of spectra to generate a sequence of values for the characteristic, fitting a function to the sequence of values, and determining either a polishing endpoint or an adjustment for a polishing rate based on the function.

2015-06-11

20150160650

APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR KITTING AND AUTOMATION ASSEMBLY - A method, system and apparatus for a kitting and automation assembly. The system includes an inspection apparatus that captures information of a component. A controller is coupled to the inspection apparatus for receiving and evaluating the information to determine a conforming component. The assembly apparatus includes a datum tool that is operatively configured to contact a datum reference of a part to determine a proper position of the part. The method includes capturing a data set indicative of a characteristic of a component and comparing the data set to a stored data set having a desired characteristic to determine a conforming component. The method also includes picking and positioning the conforming component at an installation position, contacting a datum reference of a part with a datum tool to confirm a proper position, and placing the conforming component on to the part at the proper position.